THE AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIII, Issue 15000, 2 November 1899, Page 2

THE AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENT.

LONDON, October 31. The English newspapers re-echo the sentiments commendatory of the loyal action of the colonies in despatching troops expressed by Lords Brassey and Beauchamn at the departure of the Victorian and New south Wales contingents MELBOURNE, November 1. J.ne Government is communicating with, the (South Australian and Western Australian Governments with reference to tho question of seniority on the Medic. Whilst! the Minister of Defence agrees with the Commandant's views, he thinks it inadvisable that a Victorian officer should attempt to command the cnotrol of any other colony's troops, and Eddy has been instructed to that effect. The Minister has further suggested to the other Premiers \ that Colonel Hood be appointed staff officer } for the four colonies represented by the - contingents, to whom disputes affecting tho several units could be referred. ** Tasmania has already agreed to the proposal. 1 The steamer Warrnambool has sailed with 60 live cattle, 2000 sheep, and a large quantity of fodder for South' Africa. ADELAIDE, November 1. A sensational incident occurred at the embarkation of the contingent A private ■was refused inclusion for alleged absenting of himself without leave. He was prevented boarding the tug with the otjier troops. He managed to get aboard tha steamer, but was captured and sent ashore, and subsequently arrested and sent Back to *he Medic. In the Assembly the Premier stated that the Government had arranged insurances whereby the representatives of the members of the contingent who might be Jrillerl would receive £250, while £125 would ba paid in case of disablement. The Treasurer stated that the colony hal enough money in London to meet all payments till April Ist. A million and a half of the last loan remains unfloated. BRISBANE, November 1. In the Legislative Assembly a long debate took place on the statement that tha new Martini-Enfield rifles supplied to tke centingent were untested and were defective. The Premier promised an inquiry, and! that, if necessary, steps would be - taken to have them tested on arrival at tho Cape. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, November 1 The secretary of the Telegraph Department has informed the operators who offered their services for the Cape that there is little likelihood of their being accepted as there are scores of men idle in Australia, and more than the number asked for have already volunteered. As anticipated, Colonel Newall's report on the alleged harsh treatment of the Veterans is to the effect vans at the departure of the contingent is to the effect that he charges ivere not substantiated. He added that Mr Tregear himself, after hearing the evidence for the defence, had expressed xegTet that he had moved in the matter. WAKAPIXAKA, November 1. Mv Browning, superintendent of the Cabje Company, has received advice of the arrival of tho Waiwera at Albany with the New Zealand contingent. Advice has been received that the cable between Mozambique and Delagoa Bay is interrupted. This affects the East African Company's lines and necessitates all South African irork to and from Australia and New- Zealand being transmitted by w«y of the Mediterranean, thence down the West Coast of Africa to the Cape. This will probably causa some delay.